The central government has proposed key changes to road transport regulations through the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, including a provision to allow a 30-day grace period after the expiry of a driving licence. Under this proposal, a licence would continue to remain valid for up to 30 days beyond its expiration, offering relief to motorists and reducing the risk of penalties due to delayed renewals.
The bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha by Jitin Prasada and aims to amend multiple provisions across existing laws to improve regulatory efficiency. One of its major objectives is to simplify compliance requirements and reduce the burden of penalties on citizens and businesses, aligning with the government’s broader focus on ease of living and ease of doing business.
A significant portion of the bill involves amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, under which around 20 changes have been proposed. These amendments seek to address procedural delays, remove ambiguities, and introduce flexibility in compliance. The grace period for expired driving licences is among the most notable reforms, expected to benefit a large number of vehicle owners across the country.
Also Read: Bengaluru Residents Compare City's Heat to Chennai and Delhi Online
In addition to licence-related changes, the bill proposes extending the deadline for reporting the cancellation of vehicle registration from 14 days to 30 days. Similarly, the time allowed for informing insurers about changes in the certificate of insurance—such as ownership transfers—has also been increased from 14 days to 30 days, giving vehicle owners more time to complete formalities.
Another important proposal includes allowing vehicle registration across an entire state rather than being restricted to a specific jurisdiction. The bill also clarifies that if a driving licence is renewed after its expiry, it will be valid from the date of renewal rather than being backdated, thereby simplifying administrative processes and avoiding confusion.
Overall, the Jan Vishwas Bill seeks to amend 79 central laws administered by 23 ministries, with 717 provisions proposed for decriminalisation and 67 for broader reforms. These measures are intended to streamline governance, reduce legal complexities, and promote a more citizen-friendly regulatory framework, particularly in areas that impact daily life such as transportation and compliance.
Also Read: Vice President to Present Ramnath Goenka Awards for Stories That Shook India